How to train for the unexcpected bump in the night or home invasion while sleeping scenario?

BarryLee

June 9, 2011, 12:47 PM

Nothing ever really prepares you for this, but simply thinking and planning your response is a good first step. Personally since I live alone and have an alarm I feel pretty good simply staying put in my room with a .45, flashlight and cell phone. However, your response will be based on your unique situation.

I suppose you could try setting your alarm clock for some time in the middle of the night and just kind of have a drill. Obviously you would know what was happening, but you could judge how quickly you become acclimated to what is happening from a dead sleep.

Also, sorry about the trees at Toomer’s Corner even this Dawg Fan understands the importance of our traditions.

C0untZer0

June 9, 2011, 12:58 PM

Maybe you suffer from heightened anxiety and all you have to do is see a therapist for a while, get some Behavior Modification Therapy and learn to engage in rational self-talk and then when you hear a bump in the night instead of feeling extreme fear, you'll know that its probably a timber creaking or a hot water heater popping or something and you won't experience that flight or fight reflex.

On the other hand it wouldn't hurt to get a tactical shotgun. ;)

g.willikers

June 9, 2011, 01:26 PM

Here's how:
Get some accommodating friends to break into your house, in the middle of the night, and attack.
Practice this until you are satisfied with the results.
But, and this is real important, only use airsoft guns, please.

C0untZer0

June 9, 2011, 01:57 PM

^

I didn't think about that...

Inspector Clouseau had his butler/cook - Cato attack him when least expected to sharpen his martial arts skills.

This could be something like that...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI3S9K0SpSQ&feature=fvwrel

Also an instructional video on how to clear your house:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2l5Yt6LBfo&feature=related

markj

June 9, 2011, 01:59 PM

Make sure they cant get to you without alerting you, like motion sensored outer lighting, a small yap dog, tin cans on a string or bells on the windows etc.

If this dont work maybe drink till you pass out?

Glenn E. Meyer

June 9, 2011, 02:00 PM

To be serious, there are several outfits that teach HD tactics.

You quickly learn not to 'clear' or prowl around unless you must rescue someone.

Talking about equipment is not the answer.

The 'clearers' usually 'die' in FOF.

Skans

June 9, 2011, 02:04 PM

I think I'd stay away from simulations using friends and airsoft. I know that I can't trust myself at 3:00 in the morning to remember that they are just "friends".

The best thing you can do to prepare is "think" this trough. Think about the layout of your house, who occupies what rooms in your house, whether you would clear an area of your house, or gather everyone in a "safe" area and call the cops.

nefprotector

June 9, 2011, 06:36 PM

Oh, I'm not paranoid. I was just curious as how do people train or prepare themselves, for Home Invasions, robberies that occur in the middle of the night and in a deep sleep. Think about it. It does happen.

as for me.... I sleep so hard, I probably would never know that they were there. Unless they dragged me out of bed and beat my a?? really. But by then it would probably be to late to grab a gun.

Frank Ettin

June 9, 2011, 08:27 PM

....I was just curious as how do people train or prepare themselves, for Home Invasions, robberies that occur in the middle of the night ...The first step is to get training in the fundamentals. How much have you had?

Under stress, we default to our level of training. So the more proficient you are, the better able you will be to at least handle the mechanics reflexively under stress.

And you might find this thread (http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=453637), and the links provided in it, to be useful.

FireForged

June 9, 2011, 08:52 PM

Mostly its going through the process of making a plan, trying to find the flaws in that plan, revise the plan with marked improvements, learn the plan, stick to the plan.

dannyb

June 9, 2011, 09:07 PM

I've posted this in more detail in other threads, but...

I have a yappy little terrier that sleeps in the bedroom with us. I decided that instead of ignoring him when I know that it was just a headlight in the cul-de-sac that woke him up, I'd put on the amplified headset, get the flashlight, put the HD pistol in my pocket, pick the dog up (to keep him from running downstairs and making me wait for him to get back) and check things out from the top of the stairs. He doesn't make a fuss if the headlights have gone, but did keep up a steady growl one night. I let him run, and he dashed out the doggie door and chased a fox away. I always pet him and praise him when something makes him take notice. I don't want to punish the protectiveness out of him. In the meantime, I've practiced gearing up, getting the headset powered up, making sure that the HD pistol is with me, and having the flashlight ready. My wife thinks I'm nuts, but I've gotten better over the few months that I've been doing this. Also, the dog has turned in fewer alarms as he's gotten used to just sleeping in the room with us.

JustThisGuy

June 10, 2011, 12:56 AM

I wonder if OJ used Cato to train too?

Sport45

June 10, 2011, 02:24 AM

I've found Tylenol PM helps me to avoid worrying about things that go bump in the night...

ClayInTx

June 10, 2011, 04:14 AM

Sport45,

Uh… well… It seems your Tylenol PM has expired.

On the other hand,
A DAO revolver (shrouded hammer) under the pillow can be retrieved surreptitiously while you act groggy at being awakened and fired from beneath bed cover.

Clay Ninetoes

Sport45

June 10, 2011, 06:54 AM

I'm just saying I quit worrying about all the little noises in the night and would rather sleep. It makes me more alert during the day. ;)

Lokpyrite

June 10, 2011, 07:26 AM

It's real easy when you live in a 1 room studio, shot gun under the bed and carbine in the kitchen, with wichever pistol I didn't carry the day before on the nightstand. Anyone comes through the door is going to have a very bad day.

Don P

June 10, 2011, 11:52 AM

I've found Tylenol PM helps me to avoid worrying about things that go bump in the night...